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Summaries · Grade 7 Natural Sciences › The Moon, its phases and energy sources
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The Moon, its phases and energy sources

The Moon’s phases and eclipses, tides, and renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

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The phases

NewmoonWaxingcrescentFirstquarterWaxinggibbousFullmoonWaninggibbousLastquarterWaningcrescent
After new moon comes the waxing crescent.
  • The Moon turns once for each orbit: we always see the same side.
  • The Moon is mostly rock and dust.
  • Solar eclipse: the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. Lunar eclipse: the Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon.
  • A solar eclipse can only happen at new moon, and a lunar eclipse only at full moon.
  • In the Southern Hemisphere a waxing Moon is lit on the left side and a waning Moon on the right side (the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere).
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Energy sources

RenewableNon-renewable
SunCoal
WindOil
Flowing water (hydroelectric)Natural gas
Biofuel (wood)Nuclear fuel (uranium)

Coal and oil are called fossil fuels, because they come from ancient plants and animals. When coal burns, the air gets polluted. Countries are moving to renewable energy, because fossil fuels run out and pollute. A disadvantage of solar power: it does not work at night.

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Tides

The Moon’s gravity pulls the water and causes tides. The Moon orbits the Earth in about a month.

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Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • The Moon gives off no light; each night we see a different part of its lit side.
  • New moon: the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun. Full moon: the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon.
  • From full moon to full moon: about 29.5 days. Waxing: the lit part is getting bigger.
  • The Moon’s gravity pulls the sea: tides.
  • Renewable (sun, wind, water) does not run out; fossil fuels form far more slowly than we use them.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

New moon: the Moon stands in front of the Sun (in the middle). Full moon: the Earth stands in the middle.

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

First say what the word means, then turn the card over.

Test yourself · Part 2

True or false?

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